GJNH R&D facilitates and supports high quality research – i.e. research that conforms to the quality standards required by guidance (the Research Governance Framework for Health and Community Care SGHD 2006) and legislation (the EU Clinical Trials Directive). The Board hosts projects sponsored by device and pharmaceutical companies as well as projects sponsored by Universities and by other NHS Organisation.

We are committed to facilitating rapid set up of projects. The average time taken the review process for all studies approved in the 12/13 financial year was 8 days – the CSO target is 30 days – with 38% sponsored and funded by commercial companies. Currently performance management of projects is done through the R&D Office and the R&D Steering Group and recently a post was introduced with a remit of performance managing recruitment by direct interaction with the research teams.

The GJNH has a Clinical Research Facility which has four consulting rooms, a research support office, a secure file room and a small laboratory. All follow-up visits take place in the CRF. For more information, visit the research section of the BCHS websitehttp://www.beardmorehealthscience.com/research.htm

Clinical Specialities

As a tertiary referral centre, the GJNH specialises in a number of areas for the population of the West of Scotland and, in the case of the National Services, the whole of Scotland. All clinical specialities are research active hosing commercially sponsored and funded studies and academic studies through links with Universities.

Scottish Adult Congenital Cardiac Service (SACCS): This service cares for patients with moderate to complex congenital heart disorders. The multidisciplinary team provide a full range of support, care and treatment services, including interventional and surgical services, to manage congenital heart disease patients who are 16 years old or over.

Scottish National Advanced Heart Failure Service (SNAHFS): This service is dedicated to managing patients with severe heart failure who may be candidates for heart transplantation and/or ventricular assist devices (artificial hearts). Clinicians provide a national service caring for patients throughout Scotland from the Borders to the Shetland Islands. The following treatment options are available: Defibrillators; Cardiac Resynchronization Devices (pacemakers); Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs); ECMO (a technique that oxygenates blood outside the body); and Heart Transplantation.

The Scottish Pulmonary Vascular Unit (SPVU): This service provides quality care for all patients with pulmonary hypertension in Scotland as follows: Investigation, treatment and provision of long-term follow-up for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.